SOAR starts with your "Welcome to SVSU!" Canvas Courses. Use this course to get familiar with the SVSU resources you get as an SVSU student. There are no tests or quizzes, and this course isn't required, but it can be a great help as you gear up to come to SOAR!
All SOAR sessions are in-person and on-campus. We can't wait to see you!
Not only will you register for your first full year of courses at SOAR, but you'll also get introduced to recourses geared for your success as a Cardinal, meet fellow incoming students, and establish relationships with current students and staff.
Check-in will open at 7:45 am, where you'll confirm your incoming credit and test scores, ensure you have your SVSU login and password, and take your SVSU ID photo. SOAR begins promptly at 8:30, so make sure you arrive with enough time to complete check-in. This is a full-day event and will last until 4:30 pm. Please plan to stay the whole day as participation in the whole event is mandatory for all incoming first-year students.
You are welcome to bring up to two parents, guardians, or other support people to campus for the day. They will not be with you throughout your student-focused sessions, but we offer a concurrent Parent & Family Orientation event specifically planned for them on each SOAR date. These sessions are specifically for them to learn the different ways to support you while you are a Cardinal. This is an optional event, but it is highly encouraged.
If you or your guests need accommodations to fully participate in either SOAR or the Parent and Family Conference, or if you have any other questions about your program, please contact us as soon as possible.
We are SO excited to see you again for the second phase of your Orientation Process - Fresh Start!
Now that you have registered for courses and completed your SOAR program, you're ready for your official academic welcome to SVSU at Fresh Start.
At Fresh Start, you'll attend a Convocation Ceremony featuring addresses from President Grant, the SVSA Student Body President, and a keynote speaker to see your academic journey officially take off! Soon after, you'll meet fellow students in your major and make new connections with your professors within your academic major.
Remember, this is a MANDATORY event for all incoming first-year students! If you fail to attend, a registration hold will be placed on your account until you make up your absence.
First-Year Advising Appointments are individual degree planning appointments to help you create a semester-by-semester plan from now until graduation. You'll meet one-on-one with a trained advisor who will provide helpful information and important reminders to assist you in preparing for your second year's course registration. These appointments will open in mid-late September every year.
Note: This appointment is required for all first-year students, and must be completed before March 1st.
Undecided on a major? No problem! Our advisors are trained to help you make a plan, even if you don't know what major you want to pursue. They can help you narrow down your choices and give you course suggestions that will help you explore those programs! Visit our Undecided Student Resources for more information and explore our programs of study.
If you believe you will need services to fully participate in orientation, please contact the Orientation Office by calling (989) 964-4070 or email orientation@svsu.edu.
For more information on accessibility services offered to students throughout the academic year, please see the Accessibility Resources and Accommodations page.
At SVSU, it is important that students become familiar with the campus, academic support services, and extracurricular opportunities. During orientation, students will schedule classes with academic advising support, be introduced to campus resources, and learn about the different ways to be involved in clubs and student organizations. SOAR also allows lasting friendships to be established as they will meet current and incoming students, staff, and faculty.
Yes! SVSU requires all incoming students to attend their Orientation Programs to register for their first year of courses.
After you have applied and been accepted to SVSU, you should receive an Admissions Packet. Included will be information on the SOAR program, as well as instructions on how to reserve your SOAR date. To make a reservation, following the steps outlined on the Next Steps page.
Orientation days are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the registration is received, a confirmation screen is displayed instantly, and confirmation materials with the assigned SOAR date will be mailed to the student.
Yes! We offer a concurrent Parent and Family Conference at SOAR. Your parents, family, and other support members will be able to get their own Orientation while you attend yours.
Parents and guests will not be permitted to accompany their student(s) through the day’s activities. Lunches are scheduled separately due to capacity limitations.
There are up to 120 students at each SOAR event.
If you will need services to fully participate in orientation such as large print, interpreting services, braille, assistance filling out or reading forms, please email orientation@svsu.edu. SVSU is committed to providing equal access to all university services, programs, and activities. See information on policies, procedures, resources, and forms available to current students.
If you have any questions, please email orientation@svsu.edu.
What you will need to begin:
How to sign up for Orientation:
Registration for all 2025 SOAR dates will open on Monday, December 2nd, 2024.
Incoming First-Year Students for the Winter 2025 semester (beginning January 2025) will follow the steps outlined in the Transfer Student Express Orientation.
Orientation
Wickes 117
orientation@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4070
International Programs
Wickes 230
intadmit@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4473
Academic Advisement Center
Wickes 117
aacsvsu@svsu.edu
989-964-7286